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The Ins and Outs of Aquarium Water Temperature

The Ins and Outs of Aquarium Water Temperature

Updated on November 03, 2021
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Reviewed by Don Spaeth
Petco’s National Aquatic Care, Education and Programs Manager
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Attaining the correct water temperature and keeping it stabilized is beneficial to both the short and long-term wellbeing of your aquatic life. Obtaining the right temperature for specific species of aquatic life is also important when breeding fish and, in the prevention/treatment of disease in fish. Remember – as we shift more towards responsibly sustainable fishkeeping, aquatic life is being bred at aquatic farms and facilities, not taken from nature. These fish are more used to a controlled environment with stable temperature so mimicking this can help lead to a longer and healthier life for your finned friends!

Depending on the ambient temperature of your home, living in certain climate zones may make caring for certain species of fish a little more difficult but not impossible with the right equipment and know-how! Heaters and chillers have come a long way over the years and can help satisfy the needs of any situation a hobbyist may encounter. Let us arm you with the knowledge to help set you and your aquatic life up for success!

General Fish Tank Temperature Guidelines

Tropical or Marine Species – Most aquatic life that fall under this category thrive in a warmer environment of a 75-80°F, most homes can achieve this temperature consistently with a quality in-tank heater.

Coldwater or Goldfish – The aquatic life in this category do best when the water temperature is on the cooler side, roughly 60-75°F. In warmer areas, a chiller may be needed to ensure the water stays within this range on a consistent basis.

Variable Factors

Proper temperature is a critical factor in fish health and consistently maintaining that temperature should be approached with a sense of urgency. Beyond the ambient temperature of the room the aquarium is in, let’s look at some other factors that could potentially change the temperature of your aquarium water!

  • Location – Placing your aquarium next to a window, fireplace or near an air conditioning or heating vent could lead to fluctuations of temperature correlating to the conditions of the source! Not to mention, having your aquarium near natural light could also promote nuisance algae growth!
  • Water Changes and Top-offs – When introducing new water to your aquarium, making sure its dechlorinated and matches the temperature of your tank is key to a good water change! Whether it’s a manual water change from your faucet or more elaborate with an auto top-off system, being within a few degrees of the main aquarium water temperature will help mitigate potential stresses on your inhabitants.
  • Equipment – One of the more overlooked components of your aquarium regarding changing the temperature is your equipment! Certain types of lighting and pumps can generate heat, so it is important to understand how much! The more complex your aquarium is, the more important it is to test it to see what these factors do and stabilize the correct temperature before adding aquatic life to your aquarium.
  • Attaining and Monitoring Temperature – A high-quality aquarium heater and thermometer will help you achieve and routinely monitor the optimal water temperature for your aquatic species. Experts suggest trying to not swing your aquarium temperature more than 1 -2 degrees within a 24-hour period.

Acclimating Aquatic Life to the Temperature of your Aquarium

Now that you have your aquarium at a stable temperature, how do we introduce the aquatic life and mitigate the risk of stress? Acclimation is key!

  • Lights out – Turning the light off in your aquarium can help keep your new aquatic life calmer during the transition from the fish bag to their new home!
  • Acclimation – Allowing the fish in the bag to float in the aquarium water for 15-20 minutes, depending on how long they have already been in the bag, will help slowly equalize the temperature of the bag water and aquarium water. This will aid in reducing the stress when released into their new home.

Understanding how important correct and consistent temperature is to your aquatic life’s health is one step towards creating an oasis you and your aquatic life will enjoy for years to come!

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